P1.8-M ‘hot logs’ seized in NE

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, November 15, 2012–At least P1.8 million worth of illegal logs had been seized by government operatives in Nueva Ecija following a series of operations in the province since last month.

Maximo Dichoso, regional executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Luzon, said the 30-day campaign, codenamed “CamPlan NE2012,” is aimed at neutralizing syndicates operating in Gen. Tinio, a known hotbed of illegal logging.

Gen. Tinio and the towns of Bongabon and Gabaldon have been classified by the DENR as illegal logging “hot spots.”

He said the campaign has so far resulted in the seizure of about 20,000 board feet of forest contraband and 8,024 board feet of premium hardwood dipterocarp valued at P500,000 and 329 sacks of charcoal.

Dichoso said aside from DENR operatives, the government composite team also consists of teams from the 702^nd Brigade and 56^th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, and the Nueva Ecija Protection and Security Command of the provincial Philippine National Police.

         

Seized from the backyard of furniture maker Apid Maducdoc of Sitio Batog in the village of Rio Chico are contraband wood species such as yakal, bagtikan, and apitong, which according to DENR informants, were cut from the mountains of Sierra Madre in Dona Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan, and floated down the river of Sumacbao in Gen. Tinio.Maducdoc remains at large.

The DENR is eyeing charges against Maducdoc for violations of Section 68 of Presidential Decree 705 or the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines, as amended by Executive Order no. 277 of 1987.

         

Dichoso said if proven guilty, Maducdoc will face a maximum prison term of 20 years under Articles 309 and 310 of the Revised Penal Code.

Dichoso said he has ordered a through investigation into the possible involvement of some local officials in illegal logging operations in Gen. Tinio.

         

Resolution No. 2011-006 of the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (AILTF) states that all forest products coming from natural and residual forests after February 28, 2012 shall be considered as property of the state.

         

Last year, the DENR  in Central Luzon seized 212,517 board feet of assorted forest contraband and conveyances worth at least P7 million. (Manny Galvez)